More than 20 Thai senators accused of vote-buying
BANGKOK: Thailand’s Election Commission accused 26 sitting senators on Monday of colluding to rig the last Senate election, an alleged vote-buying scandal that has sparked protests and could see them jailed.
Thailand's Election Commission has accused 26 senators of vote-buying in the recent Senate election, sparking protests and potential jail time for the implicated politicians. The commission plans to hand the case over to the Supreme Court for further proceedings. The 26 senators, who belonged to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's party, were among 77 individuals accused of election fraud, alongside 36 unsuccessful Senate candidates and 15 other political figures.
The senators were chosen by other Senate candidates to represent various sectors such as justice, education, and public health. If found guilty, the senators could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 200,000 baht (US$6,000). The Election Commission has 60 days to file a petition to the Supreme Court, which must decide whether to hear the case.
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